An exploratory study of appropriate models for an efficient and effective national research center on adult literacy in Canada used an informal survey of documents, a convenience sample of people who have some stake or experience in adult literacy and/or research administration, and information about some existing and proposed research…

Three papers consider the effect of divestiture on the research and development capacity of Bell Telephone. The first paper, "Forecasts of the Impact of Divestiture on Bell Telephone Laboratories: An Assessment" (David C. Mowery), discusses the operation of Bell Telephone Laboratories (BTL) prior to divestiture in 1984 and reviews…

As Congress prepares for the next cycle of appropriations, lawmakers and academics must consider what military research projects are doing to the universities and decide where the lines on academic freedom should be drawn, both by the government and by the universities themselves. (MSE)

Finland has developed a national computerized database containing information on the performance and costs of universities for use in internal and Ministry of Education decision making. National evaluation of different research fields is also part of the performance evaluation system. (MSE)

In response to criticisms of the study of the Committee on the Status of Black Americans, the study director and committee chairman discuss the following: (1) participant selection process; (2) consultation with scholars; (3) chairman's qualifications; (4) study group organization; (5) theoretical orientation; (6) sponsoring organization's role;…

Describes the development and use of a 7-item survey to evaluate sessions at an annual meeting of the Society of Research Administrators. Based on the 556 responses, the procedure proved an efficient and reliable method of obtaining information on sessions. Items addressed respondents' interest in the session, speaker qualifications and…

A study investigated how sustained faculty participation in research fund raising produced substantial increases in external funding while faculty morale eroded. Seven mechanisms based on principles of work motivation had been developed and implemented to help faculty increase external funding. It is suggested this situation resulted from…

New realities mean universities need to be more creative, coordinated, and focused in their quest for research dollars. A critical strategy is careful integration of the institution's strategic plan with its various fund-raising functions. Institutions can assist faculty in seeking funds but must also consider implications of the evolving…

Discussion of knowledge management focuses on a case study of an organizational research department that began implementing information management initiatives. Highlights include the role of the department, including organizing and disseminating different types of information; identifying stakeholders; upgrading skills; communications to all…

Pressure for innovation has brought universities and industry closer together. The nature of the relationship depends on the industry's ability to conduct its own research. In many countries, concern exists about the way in which research involvement may preempt universities' academic time and resources at the expense of basic research. (MSE)

Fundamental changes in the organization of the Netherlands' graduate-level research training are described and analyzed in light of three related policies: the restructuring of the Dutch higher education system into two stages, formulation of an explicit research policy for universities, and the restructuring of academic staff. (MSE)

Results of a recently implemented British rating scale for universities are analyzed to obtain a multidimensional picture of the government funding agency's perceived research rankings of the institutions. The analytical method and results are discussed. (MSE)

Academia and industry both have an interest in the economic aspects of drug development, including the rising cost of new drug discovery, the decrease in the effective patent life of new drugs as the drug improvement process lengthens, and the impact of drug-related litigation. (MLW)

Examines metamethodological issues concerning project organization and maintenance arising in large-scale research. Discusses problems in forming the research team, preparing the proposal, investigator independence, operational decisions, budget allocations, and basic assumptions about the research subject that require solution through…

The funding for research in Australian universities before recent proposed changes is outlined, focusing on the universities' allocation and management of Special Research Grants. Differences between small and large universities are examined. (MSE)